Danbury, CT – Danbury Railway Museum is like most railroad museum, started by a few passionate railfans and railroad historians. The group took over the 6 acre abandoned railroad yard and the historic Union Station back in the early 1990’s. This group of individuals has grown into a 500 plus member organization.
Danbury Rail Yard
One of the key features of the yard is its 95 foot long turnable, build in 1917 by the New Haven Railroad. There was a nine-stall roundhouse unfortunately that is gone do to a fire some years back. The yard has nearly a dozen storage tracks displaying nearly 70 pieces of railroad equipment. Narrated tours by one of the many volunteers are available if you would like one . You can also take a 30 minute “Yard Local” train ride around the yard.
Union Station
Union Station was built in 1903 by the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad. During the railroads peak nearly 125 trains would stop here. Today only a handful of Metro-North trains service this area. The Station was featured in the 1950 Alfred Hitchcock Film “Strangers on a Train”. In 2005 the station along with the only motorized turntable in the state of Connecticut became listed with the National Register of Historic Places. Today the station serves as the indoor portion of the Danbury Railway Museum and gift shop.
Strangers On A Train Trailer [1951]
The Danbury Branch
This branch was build in the mid 1800’s by Danbury and Norwalk Railroad. In its hayday the branch was primarily for passenger service. One could take a trip to New York City via the New York & New Haven Line (now known as the Northeast Corridor). Passengers could also go points north via the Housatonic line. Passenger service is still around but not as frequent heading to New York City (Metro-North). Freight service is still around as well, handled by the Providence & Worcester Railroad.
The Museum
The Danbury Railway Museum gives you an opportunity to see railroad history up close and even ride some of the historical rolling stock. One of the most popular railcars on display is the U.S. Railway Post Office Car built in 1910 by the Pennsylvania Railroad. The volunteers are very knowledgeable and they are passionate about preserving railroad history. The museum is open year around, but only offering “Yard Local” rides from April to November.
Getting there
120 White St, Danbury, CT 06810
Railroad Scanner
Yard Ops 160.755
